HERE’S the proof that North Wales Police are using a horsebox in their latest move to stop speeding motorists.

Police would not confirm or deny rumours that a horsebox was going to be the latest anti-speeding weapon.

But photographer Robin Formstone spotted the horsebox parked on a verge in the Conwy Valley yesterday – with two officers inside apparently manning a speed camera.

When asked about the horsebox ploy, a North Wales Police spokeswoman said: “As days get longer we can anticipate many more motorcyclists riding in North Wales.

“Tragically some of these will die or some will be seriously injured and in some cases excess speed will be a significant factor in these incidents.

“With our partners we are seeking to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries to motorcyclists and other road users through education, rider awareness, engineering and enforcement.

“Our enforcement activity will increase as the days get longer, but we’re not prepared to comment now on the precise tactics that will be used. We would ask that all road users obey the law and ride and drive responsibly.”

Yesterday the horsebox was parked alongside the road at Maenan, near Llanrwst – a straight stretch with a 60mph limit but renowned for speeding.

A police sergeant told photographers who spotted it: “I want my wife to be safe on the road just like I want you to be safe on the road.”

North Wales chief constable Richard Brunstrom has previously raised the prospect of speed cameras being hidden in cats’ eyes. But despite the crackdown on motorists, road deaths and serious injuries are up.

His Arrive Alive speed cameras caught 55,704 offenders in 2007, and another 5,610 were nabbed by officers with hand-held laser devices.

Yesterday Llandudno businessman Arthur Roberts, of the pressure group ‘People for Proper Policing’ claimed: “This horsebox will be another serious distraction for motorists and doesn’t really address road safety. It’s another cynical way of raising revenue. I don’t think they will just target motorcycles.”

He added: “It’s a great talking point among drivers and motorcyclists. Some are suggesting it should have a slot in the top and be called Piggy Bank.”